Sporting Memories

ALT Image of Reg sitting at a table with his eyes closing but smiling. Next to the image is a quote from Reg saying: "“It’s everyone who comes to the group that makes it so enjoyable, and everyone brings something to the group. Over the years, the group has created countless opportunities for members to reminisce, share experiences and enjoy each other’s company.”

ALT Image of Convalescent servicemen at the Wylam on Tyne V.A.D. hospital Northumberland sat in uniform and standing for a picture. Peter's words accompanying the image are: "“Using his cricketing and wartime contacts Denis had raised some £45 (around £4,400 today) for the benefit of his comrades in the D.L.I. and local causes. He had also been helped also by his letter to the Echo, one that he had signed “Denis Hendren, D.L.I, Seaham Harbour”, attaching his name to his now local regiment and to his place of residence in the county that sport had made his home.”

ALT Image of two men, either side of a woman, standing next to two motorcycles. The woman and the man to her right are holding motorcycle helmets.

ALT Quote from Linda on graphic reads: "“She was in her nineties and uses an adapted wheelchair. We began the session by throwing beanbags into hula hoops laid on the floor. She was fully involved, taking her turn and encouraging her teammates. “Then I brought out our Replay Cards. “One showed children riding homemade go-karts. When I shared it, her eyes sparkled. She remembered her brothers building their own from old pram wheels, bits of wood and lengths of washing line. That one picture opened up a whole conversation.

ALT Quote from Linda on graphic reads: "“Her brothers had taught her to play cricket in the street. When she got to school, she discovered those skills were rather useful in rounders too. She went on to captain her school team and remembered playing in a tournament at Leeds Children’s Day. From there, she took me into her childhood home: a small back-to-back in Leeds, shared with her parents and a large family of brothers and sisters. “She remembered sharing beds, blackleading the kitchen stove, donkey-stoning the doorstep and fetching coal from the coal-hole outside. She described the cold trip across the yard to the outside toilet, complete with spiders, and the weekly tin bath in front of the fire, filled with water heated on the stove.

ALT Final quote from Linda reads: "“What stayed with me was the happiness with which she told these stories. She smiled throughout, her eyes twinkling as she remembered the games, the chores and the bustle of family life. “Our conversation had travelled a long way from sport. A picture of a homemade go-kart had given us a starting point, and time spent listening had allowed so much more to unfold. “I left the care home feeling richer for having met Annie and heard a little of her life. “For me, that conversation captures something worth celebrating for Sporting Memories’ 15th birthday: the connections that can grow from a game, a familiar image and an opportunity to share.”

ALT Images of our Clubs celebrating Sporting Memories Day

ALT Poem reads as follows: The Kettle is on, the biscuits are passed, A milestone is reached, fifteen at last! Fifteen years of memories, of goals and of games, Of legendary matches and unforgettable names. The over-50s gather, a passionate crew, To break down the tactics of what teams should do. From football and rugby to cricket and track, They pull up a chair and they travel right back. They chat about Bestie, or Botham, or Moore They laugh till they cry over blunders and misses, And replay the triumphs with gestures and hisses. But the grumbling is sweet, and the banter is loud, A room full of friends, independent and proud. They share in the wisdom that decades can bring, Enjoying the comfort of simpler things. So here’s to the laughter, the rants, and the cheers, To Sporting Memories and fifteen great years May the stories keep flowing, the tea stay well-brewed, In this wonderful circle of pure gratitiude.

ALT Image of Hove Sporting Memories Club during session sat around table. Message says: A big thank you to a member from our Hove Club, with Sussex Cricket Foundation, for this lovely poem celebrating us reaching 15 years! Beneath words are Sporting Memories logo and 15 years anniversary logo

ALT Image of Grace sat down presented with a trophy by a gentlemen to her left and a lady to her right with her hands on Grace's shoulders.

ALT A note from a textbook which says: "The Club has been a life saver for me when I was ill. They pulled me through. Everyone is so helpful. I enjoy every minute I spend there. I certaintly don't think I would cope without it. I look forward to Monday mornings. We have fun, play have that keep me young."